Neymar & Co. are out to erase the memory of 2014’s ugly semifinal rout at home, while Costa Rica eyes another Cinderella run
BRAZIL ODDS: 18/5 2014 RESULT: Semifinals FORMATION: 4-1-4-1 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Barcelona’s Paulinho went from China to cashing in with the world’s best club last summer. A move everyone questioned turned into brilliance and earned him a starting spot with Brazil. Roma’s Alisson is one of the most in-demand goalkeepers in the world. He allowed just 28 goals in 37 starts, tops in Serie A. Philippe Coutinho will likely be a substitute, providing a ton of relief either on the left wing or in the midfield. OUTLOOK: Brazil’s only real worry will be who replaces injured right back Dani Alves. There’s so much more talent beyond Neymar compared to their 2014 squad, which will benefit Brazil by easing the pressures Neymar felt their last go-around. On the bright side, they can’t lose 7-1 to Germany again, can they?
COSTA RICA Odds: 175/1 2014 RESULT: Quarterfinals Formation: 5-2-2-1 PLAYERS TO WATCH: LAFC forward Marco Urena (right) doesn’t really score, but he’s fantastic on the ball and sets up a lot of other goals. Keylor Navas just won the Champions League with Real Madrid. New York City FC’s Ronald Matarrita and Rodney Wallace both could be bench options, too.
OUTLOOK: Four years ago, Costa Rica shocked the world. Repeating that quarterfinals run might be impossible, but the Ticos are an experienced group. All but two starters from 2014 should round out the starting eleven, making a knockout round appearance totally possible.
SERBIA ODDS: 175/1 2014 RESULT: Did not qualify FORMATION: 4-2-3-1 PLAYERS TO WATCH: At just 23, Sergej MilinkovicSavic (below) is quickly becoming one of the world’s top midfielders, however he’s new to the Serbian national team with just four senior caps. Aleksandar Mitrovic excelled on loan with Fulham this year.
OUTLOOK: Serbia is the tallest team at the World Cup — and one of the older sides, too. Yet Mladen Krstajic is the most inexperienced coach in the tournament. His first meaningful match will be against Costa Rica. Instilling a new system, new captain and some youth could either work wonders or be a recipe for disaster.
SWITZERLAND ODDS: 150/1 2014 RESULT: Round of 16 FORMATION: 4-2-3-1 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Granit Xhaka is just about the perfect all-around midfielder. An aggressive workhorse, he brings much contribution on offense and defense. Xherdan Shaqiri is a bit of a ball hog, but also scores goals you see on highlight reels. OUTLOOK: Switzerland’s two attacking options — Breel Embolo and Haris Seferovic — aren’t exactly scoring left and right. That’s pretty problematic when you need goals in order to win. An interesting note: most of Switzerland’s national team is made up of immigrants, featuring players born in Africa, Europe and South America.